The Vodacom Bulls are on the verge of returning to play in front of some spectators at home after almost two years of playing in an empty Loftus Versfeld.

While the team is currently enjoying some much-needed rest following a gruelling year of rugby, they are chomping at the bit not only with the prospect of seeing some spectators in the stands but also the first Vodacom United Rugby Championship match when they host Irish side, Munster Rugby, in Tshwane on Saturday, November 27.

“We have recently returned from our tour of Europe for the opening rounds of the Vodacom URC, and it was the first time in a while that some of us played in front of a crowd,” said Vodacom Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee.

“We are now really excited that when we return to play, we will do so with our own Vodacom Bulls fans present at Loftus Versfeld. Playing in front of a crowd that backs you certainly gives a team that added boost.”

As per Government regulations, a limited number of fans will be able to attend sports matches, with strict and necessary Covid-19 protocols to be followed in order for the events to run smoothly.

Coetzee lent his voice in encouraging those who intend to attend any of the upcoming matches to adhere to the protocols.

“It is important that we remember that we are still facing a global pandemic and the only way we will overcome it and eventually return to life as we know it, is to observe the regulations, guidelines and protocols,” the Vodacom Bulls captain said.

“Returning to stadiums now will be similar to venturing into unfamiliar territory – it will be a period of learning for us as players, event organisers and certainly the supporters. If we all comply to the guidelines the process will be smoother.

“It is important that we continue to wear our masks at all times, practice social distancing, ensure that you are vaccinated before entering the stadium and sanitise regularly.”

Coetzee and his teammates are also looking forward to hosting their European opponents for the first time at Fortress Loftus. After the clash against Munster Rugby, the Vodacom Bulls will welcome Welsh side, Scarlets on December 3.

“After having spent four weeks overseas, where we played in testing conditions, we are excited to be playing our next two fixtures in our own backyard with familiar conditions,” said Coetzee.

“Both Munster and Scarlets will prove to be tough opponents. They have already shown their capabilities in the opening rounds of the competition. We will have to hit the ground running when we return to training to prepare for these matches.”

The Vodacom Bulls have made a handful of changes to their side that will face Welsh side, Cardiff Rugby, in Round 3 of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship on Saturday. Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, has opted to make full use of the team’s rotation system ahead of the match that will be played at Cardiff Arms Park.

White, said: “We are making some changes to our match-day squad this week to ensure that we utilise our squad depth while giving fair opportunity to the players to get a feel of this competitive tournament.”

The Vodacom Bulls team will see five changes to the backline personnel, while four new faces will be seen from the forwards’ pack that was on duty last weekend against Connacht Rugby.

Fullback David Kriel, wingers Madosh Tambwe and Kurt-Lee Arendse make returns to the starting XV, while scrumhalf Ambrose Papier makes a welcomed return in the run-on team after having spent weeks recuperating from an injury ahead of the start of the Vodacom URC. Cornal Hendricks will shift from wing to the familiar outside centre position, where he will partner with Harold Vorster.

A new-look front row will see hooker Bismarck du Plessis linking up with props Simphiwe Matanzima and Jacques van Rooyen. Janko Swanepoel, at lock, and Jacques du Plessis, at blindside flanker, will both earn starting berths.

“Cardiff has shown good form so far this season in their win over Connacht at home, and, despite their narrow defeat, last week in the Welsh derby against Ospreys. We expect them to come out guns blazing, and we have no doubt that they will be a tough side to face,” added White.

The match will kick-off at 20h35 SA time, and it will be televised on SuperSport.

The Vodacom Bulls team to face Cardiff Rugby is:

Vodacom Bulls: (15-9; 1-8)

David Kriel (Betway Centurion), Madosh Tambwe (Pretoria), Cornal Hendricks (Northam), Harold Vorster (Northam), Kurt-Lee Arendse (Betway Centurion), Johan Goosen (ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Embrose Papier (FNB Tuks); Simphiwe Matanzima (ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Bismarck du Plessis (Betway Centurion), Jacques van Rooyen (Tuine), Janko Steenkamp (Pretoria), Ruan Nortje (ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Marcell Coetzee (CAPT, ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Jacques du Plessis (FNB Tuks), Elrigh Louw (FNB Tuks)

Replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels (U20), Lizo Gqoboka (ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Robert Hunt (Harlequins), Walt Steenkamp (Betway Centurion), Arno Botha (ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Keagan Johannes (FNB Tuks), Chris Smith (Harlequins), Lionel Mapoe (Pretoria)